Speaker
Description
The National Nuclear Security Administration’s capital project Advanced Sources
and Detectors is responsible for delivering a new radiography capability to support science-based
nuclear weapons mission. Scorpius is the nickname given to this capability that will be deployed
underground at the Principle Underground Laboratory for Subcritical Experimentation (PULSE) at
the Nevada National Security Sites. Scorpius is a key element of the Enhanced Capabilities for
Subcritical Experiments portfolio supporting the next generation of the nation’s stockpile mission.
Scorpius is a powerful 20-megaelectronvolt, 125-meter-long linear induction accelerator diagnostic
tool that will generate multi-pulse flash x-rays designed to radiograph the late stages of implosion
of a test device. A unique capability, Scorpius will enable experiments that employ real plutonium
to ensure the United States maintains a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear stockpile. These
experiments will be subcritical, that is, designed never to reach criticality, while still providing
essential data to inform knowledge about plutonium behavior. These subcritical experiments will
safely take place over 300-meters underground at the PULSE Facility in Nevada in a new 130-meterlong tunnel.
The Scorpius machine lifecycle will be supported by the development of reliability centered
and lifecycle engineering programs back by Asset Management methodologies. The goal of Asset
Management will be to secure the operational reliability of the machine, as well as build on a
sustainment strategy that will support the expected life of the machine. The construction of the
program is technically complex, with expertise and contributions spanning among three national
laboratories and the NNSS. Through five established workstreams, the asset management will be
constructed adjacent to the construction of the machine, allowing for reliability intelligence to feed
the newly developed operations and maintenance strategies upon transition to operations.
This presentation I will discuss how to unlock the development of an Asset Management
program that backs reliability principles and helps protect our scientific machines for enduring
operations. The purpose is to see beyond the initial investment and to focus long term, as longterm deficiencies in operational conduct can pose critical risks for scientific discoveries or national
security missions.